Ott climbs the leaderboard late to win the 76th Tennessee State Open
GALLATIN, Tenn. — In a field stacked with past champions, top-tier amateurs, and a dramatic final round, it was Harrison Ott who rose to the occasion and asserted himself into the history books as the 76th Tennessee State Open Champion.
A Vanderbilt graduate and recent competitor in the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont, Ott proved he was built for moments like these, and he delivered.
The tournament burst out of the gates in Round One with fireworks. Ryan Terry had the front nine of his life, carding both an eagle and a hole-in-one. He closed the day at 6-under par to grab the early lead. Not to be outdone, social media sensation and pro golfer Zac Radford also aced on the second hole, making it two holes-in-one on No. 2 in the same round.
With 144 players battling to make the cut to the top 60 and ties, Round 2 didn’t lack drama. Griffin Law, an incoming freshman to the University of Chattanooga, stormed into contention with a sizzling 64, highlighted by four straight birdies on holes 12 through 15. Right behind him, Ott and 2023 Tennessee State Open champion Hunter Wolcott each carded a solid 67, positioning themselves for a final-day push.
Before the conclusion of Round Two, another ace was scored by Knoxville pro golfer Tre Mullins on the par-3 15th as he made the cut to proceed to Round Three.
Round 3 had everything golf fans could hope for—lead changes, tension, and plenty of surprises. As players tussled for position down the stretch, it was clear that this title would be earned, not handed out.
Players found trouble in crucial moments, momentum swung back and forth, and the tournament came down to the very last hole.
As Round 3 unfolded, early frontrunners Ryan Terry and Griffin Law couldn’t find their rhythm, leaving the door wide open for a surging Hunter Wolcott. The former champion caught fire on the front nine, rattling off five birdies to surge into the lead through five holes. For a moment, it looked like Wolcott might cruise to another title.
But everything changed at the turn.
With every swing carrying high stakes, the back nine turned into a pressure cooker. Wolcott’s charge came to a screeching halt with a costly two-hole stretch between 14 and 15, where he left the plus-5 through those two holes. That left the door open for Ott and Hayden Hunneke, who began trading blows like two heavyweight prize fighters.
By hole 14, Ott held a slim one-stroke advantage over Hunneke. But Hunneke responded on the very next hole, birdieing to tie things up and intensify the final holes.
Ott answered with a clutch birdie on 16 to reclaim a one-shot edge, and he never let go. As both players stepped onto the 18th tee, the title still hung in the balance.
With great execution, Ott closed it out with a steady two-putt par on the final hole. Meanwhile, Hunneke faltered with a bogey, sealing the win for Ott, who raised the trophy after a thrilling final round, carding a 67 each round.
It was Toby Bishop who emerged as the low amateur of the tournament. With rounds of 66, 72, and 67, Bishop showcased consistency and poise, finishing strong against a stacked field of pros.
Tied for third place at 10-under were Jacob Sherlin and former champion Nolan Ray, both delivered stellar performances throughout the week. Their composure and sharp play kept them in the hunt until the very end.
Jake Hall, a former star from the University of Tennessee, found himself tied for the lead at one point during the tournament. Though he didn’t finish at the top, Hall gained invaluable experience competing alongside some of the region’s best professionals—a taste of the high-level competition that surely awaits in his future as a pro.
Click here for full results from the 76th Tennessee State Open.